Windows 8.1 Launch Today Leads to App Update Frenzy

The long-awaited Windows 8.1 update is to be made available today for those who've braved the tile-based madness of Microsoft's latest operating system. And, as is annoyingly customary with such things, it means practically every Microsoft-built Windows app will be getting an update.

That includes everything from the Mail, Calendar and People apps right down to the optional ones like SmartGlass. For the most part, they're just performance boosts, with the apps firing up faster under the new Windows build, but some include additional features. Fresh Paint for instance now lets you paint freshly with watercolour brushes. [The Verge]